So, you’ve finally lined up your next job after so many interviews – congratulations! You may be thinking that all of the hard work is over, right? WRONG! The hardest part is right around the bend and it involves making a good impression on your first day of work.

There are 5 key things to focus on if you want to ensure a successful first day.

1. Dress to Impress

Do not think that dressing to impress only applied to the interview. Typically, you will be meeting with new co-workers, managers, etc on your first day. The last thing you want to do is give them a bad impression because you were too casual.

First, you should have a good understanding from your new manager what the dress code is for you new job. If you are unsure, ask before your first day so that you are prepared.

Leave the jeans, flip flops, and polo shirts at home and dress in business attire. Perhaps a suit and tie are not necessary, but it doesn’t hurt to step it up a notch. It is very easy to remove a tie and suit coat in order to dress more casually if that is the office trend.

Make sure that your clothes are ironed and stain free the night before your first day. Leave behind the heavy colognes or perfumes, as well as any noisy or distracting jewelry. A neutral, toned down outfit will help you portray more of a business-like attitude that says you are prepared and serious about learning your new job.

2. Be on Time

Whatever you do – do NOT be late! Set your alarm early to allow plenty of time to have a cup of coffee, good breakfast, dress, and leave in time to beat the rush hour traffic. It’s best to plan on arriving 15 minutes early on your first day.

If for some unavoidable reason you are going to be late, please call and notify your new manager.

3. Take Notes

On your first day and during any training, be sure to have a notebook and pen with you at all times. Taking notes throughout the training will help you remember certain processes and procedures. Also, your manager and trainer will notice the fact that you are paying attention and writing down information, which gives you HUGE brownie points.

4. Ask Questions

Don’t forget to ask questions on your first day. If something is unclear, it is always better to ask rather than make a mistake later. Your manager and trainer should be appreciative of your questions because it will prove that you are paying attention and that you want to do a good job.

5. Stay Focused

Staying focused is important everyday on the job, but even more-so on the first day. If you are easily distracted by your mobile phone, leave it in the car. Notify your friends and family that you cannot be disturbed during work hours unless it is an emergency. Stay focused on learning and doing your best in your new role.

—

What are some other things you do to ensure a good impression on the first day? Please share your tips in the comments below.

Every college spring, my friends would start the desperate search for summer internships. There was a hunger in our bellies for that coveted internship which would add to our thin, hopefully getting thicker, college resumes. Unfortunately, many of these i...

Aug 16, 2013

Spark Hire

3,000+ companies in over 50 countries utilize Spark Hire's video interviewing platform to connect with the best candidates for their job openings!